7477 Private Silas John Whiteman
'A' Squadron
1st(King's)Dragoon Guards
2nd June 1915
Born in 1891 in South Cerney, Gloucestershire. He was baptised on 28/06/1891.
His parents were Silas Whiteman (1860-1936) and Mary Ann Ricketts (20/04/1860-1903).
They were married on 31/03/1883.
Silas had 2 brothers, Charles (25/04/1893-1963) and Frank (born in 1896). He also had 2 sisters, Mary Elizabeth (24/02/1884-1953) and Emma (03/10/1888-1965).
In the 1891 census the family were recorded as living at Mr Small's Cottages , South Cerney, Gloucestershire. Silas snr. was employed as an agricultural labourer.
The 1901 census shows that the family were now living at White Cottage, Harnhill Lane, Harnhill, Gloucestershire. Silas snr. was
now employed as a carter on a farm.
The family had moved again by the time the 1911 census was taken and were now living at Hailey Cottage, Sapperton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Silas had now started working and had found employment on a farm, while his father was still working as a carter
on a farm.
Working on a farm can't have agreed with Silas, as the following year he enlisted on 15/10/1912 at Cirencester into the
5th Dragoon Guards, Corps of Dragoons of the line, possibly with his brother Frank( I have found no records to prove this, though
they did serve together in this regiment in India).
Silas medical was performed on the same day and the details are as follows.
Apparent Age – 20 years 8 Months
Height – 5ft 7 inches Weight – 125lbs
Chest Measurement – Girth when fully expanded – 35 inches
Range of expansion – 3 ½ inches
Complexion – Fresh
Eyes – Grey Hair – Light Brown
Pulse - 80
Religious Denomination – Church of England
A reference was given by his former employer Mr Cole, a farmer in Ashbrook, Gloucestershire. Details as follows.
How long have you known him? – 12 months
When did you last speak to him? – Oct 11th 1912
Has he ever been employed by you, If so please state-
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The capacity in which you employed him. – Under carter and general labourer.
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How long was he in your employment – 12 months
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The approximate date of his leaving your employment. – Oct11th 1912
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The reason for his leaving – to Join the colours.
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Whether you received a satisfactory reference(? Illegible) with him and for how long – Quite satisfactory
As to his character, to the best of your belief, is he –
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Sober – Yes
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Honest – Yes
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Can you give any further information As to his character – A very steady young lad.
After he was passed fit at his medical , he was posted to 5th Dragoon Guards the same day.
From the 15/10/1912 - 12/11/1913, he spent his time in England training. Whilst at Aldershot, he spent from 17/03/1913 to 28/03/1913 in hospital suffering from German measles.
Silas gained a 2nd class certificate of education on 27/06/1913 whilst at Aldershot.
Still at Aldershot, Silas was charged on 01/08/1913 with refusing to obey an order and was given 7 days confined to barracks
as a punishment.
On 13/11/1913 he was transferred to 1st(King's)Dragoon Guards, the day his new regiment was sent to India.
Whilst in India, he spent from 19/08/1914 to 29/08/1914 in Lucknow hospital with a liver complaint.
Silas and 1st(King's) Dragoon Guards returned to England on 16/10/1914, being resupplied ready to be sent to France, which was
on 11/11/1914.
Silas was killed in action on 02/06/1915.
Wilts and Gloucestershire standard – Saturday 19 June
An Ampney Crucis soldier killed in action
The following letter from Captain Ronald Cheape, the famous polo player and member of the team that wrested the polo cup from America, conveyed to Mr S. Whiteman of the death of his eldest son, Private S. Whiteman, 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards, in the recent battle round Ypres.
“Dear Mr Whiteman, - I am sorry to have to be the bearer of painful news. Your son was killed in action on June 2, at Ypres.
“Yours faithfully,”
Ronald Cheape,
“Captain 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards.”
Private Whiteman with a brother was serving with the 5th Dragoon Guards in India when the war broke out, but on arrival in England was transferred to the 1st D.G., with which regiment he joined the Expeditionary Force. Another brother is serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery, at Malta.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals His father was awarded a pension
of 5/- a week from 06/11/1918 on 27/03/1919.
Both his brothers served during the war and survived though sadly not many of their military records did.
Charles was Gunner 38228 Royal Garrison Artillery. He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied victory medals.
In 1919 he was stationed at Fort Brockhurst in Gosport.
Frank was Private D7870 5th Dragoon Guards. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and
Allied victory medals. He had been sent to France on 15/08/1914. In 1919 he was stationed at the Cavalry Barracks at Aldershot.